Silchester Players

A body, an interfering office cleaner and a detective superintendent with a bad cold and a worse temper, made Busybody, a comedy thriller by Jack Popplewell and Silchester Players' Jubilee production, a tense and exciting evening's entertainment.

The cleaner, Mrs Piper, brilliantly played by Sheila Hollinshead, ably and amusingly hinders Superintendent Baxter, played by John Hollinshead, after she has discovered the body of her unpopular employer, Richard Marshall, played convincingly by Joe Josephs.

The suspects include his beautiful wife, Claire, played by Pam Edey, the company accountant played by Chris Street, his attractive secretary Marian Selby, well portrayed by Shelagh Brinkman and even the pretty office typist, played by Wendy Taylor.

Needless to say confusion occurs when the supposedly dead Mr Marshall appears very much alive and as unpleasant as ever.

During the course of the play more bodies pop up all over the place but of course Mrs Piper eventually nails the culprit with a little help from Superintendent Baxter and his assistant, Detective Constable Goddard, played by Robin Mansfield.

The play was directed by Christine and Norman Utton, who although relatively newcomers to stage direction, made a superb contribution to the Silchester Players' long list of successful productions.

The spirit of the old music halls has returned to Silchester in a big way with packed houses turning up for the traditional entertainment and good humour served by the Silchester Players.

Two performances were given last weekend and two more this weekend for which every ticket has been sold.  Most of the cast of 28 are from Silchester and Pamber Heath, with others from Tadley, Mortimer and Burghfield Common.

The interior of the hall has been transformed into a truly Victorian setting for the artistes to present some rip-roaring turns, well in keeping with the good old days.  One of the most amusing turns is given by three male fairies — Harold Warburton, Keith Percival and David Reid — who show why nobody loves a fairy when she's 40.

Harold Warburton, in fact, is the funny man of the show, appearing in most numbers.  He is also in the big hat turn with David Reid and Robin Mansfield.

Mandy Grimwade has the soprano lead with I Was A Good Little Girl and Oh, Mr Porter.  Principals are well backed by a jolly chorus, which enjoys every moment.

Joint directors of this hive of enjoyment are Jill Mansfield and Keith Percival, stage manager is Norman Utton and the musical director and pianist is Stephen Oliver.

Silchester Players now turn their attention to next year's pantomime, with Jack And The Beanstalk being produced in February.